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What is City of Craft?
City of Craft is a collective of craft-engaged locals who aim to build community in the Toronto craftscape, support independent craft businesses, and encourage the larger community to get involved with crafty happenings in the city. We organize shows, discussions, and activities, with the December City of Craft show being our major annual event, attracting approximately 5,000 attendees.
Am I Eligible to vend at City of Craft 2012?
It is City of Craft's mandate to support makers of handmade, original, community oriented and/or locally-made goods. Importers and wholesalers are therefore ineligible. Resellers, and reatail stores are also ineligible for vendors spots but are welcomed as sponsors.
What types of crafts are you looking for?
We are seeking a diversity of crafts that represent a range of aesthetics, media, techniques, and sensibilities. Solid craftsmanship, originality, and wicked style are definitely bonuses. Please note that we receive a large number of applications for wire and bead jewellery at City of Craft shows.
If you want to do some aesthetic sleuthing, looking through our past events, past particicpants (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011) and/or photo gallery will probably give you a sense of what we tend to program.
Can I apply if I am not from Toronto?
Why, yes you can. We do weight vendor selections slightly towards locals, but this only comes up in cases of neck-and-neck jury votes in the more competitive categories.
Due to issues of opportunity and georgraphy, City of Craft defines local as all of Southern Ontario. Our neighbourly semi-local consideration extends to all of Ontario, Quebec, Western New York and Eastern Michigan.
How are vendors selected?
Every year, a jury is assembled of City of Craft's three founders (Becky Johnson, Jen Anisef and Leah Buckareff) plus two other invited jurors from the Toronto craft community. These guest jurors change annually and usually represent like-minded territories of the craft world that are slightly different from our backgrounds. In the past, guest jurors have included craft-based installation artists, retailers, curators, makers, etc.
Jurying is done anonymously through voting sheets, voting is tallied and then table allocations are given out based on votes. Distribution of space by category is also pre-determined (ie. jewellery may represent 40% of the applications but does not represent 40% of the space given). We also assemble our waiting list at this point in the process.
How many people apply annually?
For our flagship December show, we usually recieve between 300 - 500 applications for our 40-50 vendor spots.
What is the deadline for applying to City of Craft 2012?
The deadline to apply is midnight EST on August 31st, 2012. Due to time and jurying constraints, late submissions can not be considered.
Do I have to pay to apply?
Yes. There is a $5 non-refundable application fee. All monies collected as application fees will go toward
to costs of running the jury session.
Do I have to submit samples of my work?
If you are applying in either the cosmetics or edibles categories, then yes, non-returnable samples are required for the jury to assess. These samples need not be full jars, soaps or foodstuffs. Photographs are also consulted to give a sense of packaging and presentation. The samples serve only to communicate the quality of your product. In all other categories, submission are considered based on photographs and written descriptions alone.
How much does it cost to participate in the show as a vendor?
Vendor fees depend on how much table space you require (and are allotted). A full table (8ft) is $160, a 6ft table is $120 and a half table (4ft) is $80. Vendor fees are payable after the selection process. Accepted vendors will be sent all the payment details by email when jury results go out in September.
Where do I send my application?
Applications are now done exclusively through an online form found here.
Where is the event taking place?
The City of Craft magic happens at the Theatre Centre at Queen St. West and Dovercourt. Housed in an 1890s building, this charming two level space has a grand oval terrace that allows vistors watch the crafty activity buzz below.
We have also teamed up with other spaces in the Queen and Dovercourt area to offer off-site programming and/or additional vendor spaces .
How big are the tables?
A full table is approximately 2.5 feet deep by 8 feet long, and a half table is 2.5 by 4 feet. We also always have a few mid-sized tables at 2.5 by 6 feet.
How many chairs are available at each table?
To ensure comfortable vendor seating we are limiting the amount of chairs available to two per applicant.
Can I share a table/table space?
No. Vendors wishing to sit together can request such an arrangement but still need to apply separately. Collaborative projects and business are, of course, welcome but, if accepted, are treated and promoted as one business.
I have my own table/tent/rack – can I use this instead of the tables you provide? If so, can I get a discount on my vendor fee?
Sorry, due to space limitations the tables we set up are your only option. Please feel free to bring any racks or displays that can be safely fit on top of or underneath your table (large structures should be secured). If you have a custom built display that you use in lieu of a table, then please provide details in your application and we will see if it is possible to accommodate it. Please note: our space is very limited and it is rare that we find ourselves able to accomadte special display requests. Planning for a table-top display is the best course of action.
I could only do the Saturday (or Sunday) of the show, is it possible to apply for only one of the two days that City of Craft happens?
Nope. Sorry. All or nothin'.
Otherwise, the floor plan might explode...not to mention the jury.
I am also applying to/participating in the One of a Kind Holiday show; Can I particiapte in their show and yours?
Sadly, no.
This is not our policy; A clause that limits your ability to do other local shows is in the fine print of the contract you will sign if accepted to One of a Kind. When processing applications, we do not research whether or not you have applied to their show, but they have historically followed through with this clause. Their restrictions also apply to resellers so if a store that carries your wares has a sponsor table at City of Craft, they will also not be allowed to sell your line.
Is there anything I should bring to the fair if I am accepted?
Tables and chairs will be provided, as well as overhead lighting. You are encouraged to bring your own lighting for your table to ensure your customers can view your work in all its glory. If you do so, please bring an extension cord & power bar (plenty of outlets are available). Table coverings are required, and signage with company name is encouraged.
When will I be notified of my acceptance into City of Craft 2012?
All vendors accepted into the show will be notified by September 15, 2012.
How do I pay my vendor fee once accepted?
You are required to submit payment by cheque or PayPal after you are notified of your acceptance. Cheques will be due two weeks after acceptance emails go out, with further information available in the acceptance emails. If you do not pay on time, your spot will be forfitted to the next applicant on the waiting list.
What is your cancellation policy?
Once accepted, your participation fee is non-refundable.
What if I want to propose some amazing craft-based installation?
We'd love to hear from you! Every year at City of Craft we work with local artists to develop crafty installations. The Theatre Centre has lots of nooks and crannies to fill - a broom closet, the bathroom ceilings, hallways...even the snowy front of the building! We have also been working hard to secure spaces all around Queen West - galleries, shop windows, alleys and more. Got something to liven up one of those spaces and engage the public with your crafty genius? Let us know at cityofcraft@gmail.com and we will put you in touch with our installation team.
Can I volunteer for City of Craft 2012?
We thought you'd never ask! There are tons of ways you can get involved in City of Craft 2010 – please email us at cityofcraft@gmail.com to inquire. Or sign up for your volunteer mailing list.
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